Studying abroad in Australia can provide you access to top-ranked universities and valuable life experience. If you’re ready to apply for an international student visa to study in Australia, you must consider the requirements and your obligations as a student, including these necessary factors.
Benefits of an Australian Study Visa for International Students
Studying in Australia on a student visa can open many doors for young scholars. Not only does it look good on a resume, but it also enables students to broaden their horizons. Australian schools are some of the finest in the world, and the academic rigor can prepare students for a successful career in their field.
Additionally, younger students can bring their family members along with a student guardian visa, making the experience a great opportunity for family bonding while also exploring a new country. Students may also bring their dependents along with a subsequent entrant visa.
Key Conditions Students Must Meet
The Australian government imposes certain conditions on a student visa holder. They must remain enrolled in a study program with an accredited education provider and maintain satisfactory attendance throughout their time in the country. Other visa conditions include following all necessary laws, having sufficient funds for living expenses, and paying any necessary course fees.
Eligibility Requirements for Australia Study Visa
The most common student visa is the Student Visa Subclass 500, though there are specialized student visas for certain countries, such as Indian students. You can also enroll in packaged courses, which entitle you to a longer visa period and enable you to get multiple certifications. Student visa applicants must meet the following requirements.
Confirmation of Enrolment
A Confirmation of Enrollment will be provided by the Australian educational institution that has accepted you. It will show that you have been accepted into an eligible course, as well as whether you are enrolled for just one semester or a whole year.
If you are doing packaged courses, you must provide a CoE for every program. Standard visa grant periods apply for this, and any course gaps must be less than two months, unless you are enrolling in a full Australian academic year and will remain in the country until the next academic year.
Genuine Temporary Entrant
Now known as the Genuine Student requirement, the GTE is a crucial component of the Australian student visa application. It shows that you have a genuine intent to complete your course.
To satisfy the requirement, you will be asked questions on the online application, such as why you have chosen this particular program and how you believe it will benefit you in the future. You will also provide evidence of your financial capacity to pay for the course and your previous achievements, like test scores and employment history.
Financial Requirements
Applicants for an Australian visa will need to attach supporting documents to prove they have sufficient financial support, including covering living costs, tuition fees, and any travel they may choose to do. In general, visa holders must show they have at least AUD $29,710 per year of study.
English Language Proficiency
You need to have sufficient English language skills to complete courses at your educational institution. For most students, this is a six on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent.
Those seeking a temporary graduate visa after their course is completed must have a 6.5. English language tests are waived for applicants of certain nationalities, including the UK and America.
Health and Character Requirements
The Department of Foreign Affairs wants to ensure that entrants do not pose a health or safety risk to Australian residents. As such, you should expect to complete a medical exam and receive police certificates showing no criminal record.
Overseas Student Health Cover
The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a health insurance plan that will cover international students while they are in the country. It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and provides basic health care, like ambulance rides, visits to a general practitioner, and some medicines.
How do you apply for an Australian Study Visa?
You can apply for a new student visa online, including paying your student visa fees and scheduling biometric appointments if necessary. Always apply in advance to allow for the necessary processing time. You should schedule your health exam ahead of time and make sure you have a valid passport that won’t expire before your course is over.
Visa Application Process
To start, you will gather all your required documents and then create an ImmiAccount to apply online. The application will ask for basic information, such as your passport number, birthday, and contact details. Then, you will attach the requested documents using the document upload tool and answer any questions to satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirements.
Required Documents
The Australian government’s Department of Home Affairs website provides a document checklist tool for student visas, which can help you ensure that you provide all necessary information.
Necessary documents include:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of Enrolment
- OSHC document
- English language test results, if relevant
- Bank statements showing necessary funds
- School transcripts
- Employment history
- Police certificate
- Medical exam
If you are bringing family along, you must attach evidence for all subsequent entrants with your application, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates showing a de facto relationship.
Visa Application Fees
The visa application fee is AUD1,600.00 for most students, though there will be additional costs if you bring dependents along. Additional fees paid may include translation costs if you have documents in a language other than English and police certifications. Medical exams typically cost AUD 400 or 500.
Processing Times
Processing times for the Student Visa Subclass 500 are typically around 50 days, though it can take up to four months, depending on when you apply. You can check your visa status and get an updated ETA through your ImmiAccount, which will also alert you whether you need any additional information.
Australia Student Visa Rules
Once you’ve been approved, you’ll receive a valid visa label to place in your passport, which you will then show to immigration officials when you arrive. This represents an agreement to abide by all the rules of your Student Visa Subclass 500 throughout your time in Australia, which include the following.
Work Restrictions
International students on an undergraduate student visa can only work up to 48 hours per fortnight (every two weeks) while they are enrolled in classes. Students doing a Master’s Research or a doctoral degree, along with their families, do not have any working limits.
Study Requirements
To maintain your student visa, you must attend class regularly. You should strive to get satisfactory grades and not be placed on academic probation for any reason.
You cannot apply for courses that are more than two months apart unless you are doing a full academic course and the semesters are more than two months apart.
Visa Extensions
If you intend to enroll in a new course, you will need a new student visa. Those whose visas expire before they graduate from their course can apply for a Visitor Visa Subclass 600, with a note from their academic advisor or university that explains why they were not able to complete their studies within the given time frame.
Students who completed all necessary qualifications within the last six months may be able to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, which will allow them to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily. This visa is usually valid for between two and three years, depending on what course you graduated from, and costs AUD 1945.00
Reasons Why Australian Student Visa Applications are Refused
When applying for an Australian student visa, it is important to fill out all paperwork as accurately as possible to avoid any delays or denials. Common reasons that your student visa may be denied include the following.
- Insufficient Funds: You must have at least AUD $29,710 available for one full year. This can come from grants, scholarships, or parental support.
- Failure to Pass the GTE: Your personal statements must prove that you have a genuine intent to learn while you are in Australia, and they should be supported by documentation proving a good academic background.
- Incomplete Application: Failure to provide necessary documents, such as academic history or a Certificate of Enrolment, can make it difficult to secure your Australian student visa.
- Failure to Meet Character Requirements: Australia is strict about criminal histories, and even small things like misdemeanors can lead to a denial. If you’re serious about your education and want a student visa, be sure to stay out of trouble.
- Medical Conditions: If you have a chronic health condition like diabetes, the government may worry that you will need additional health support.
- Insufficient English Skills: Failing to have the necessary English language skills can make it hard to get approved.
- Lack of Academic Qualifications: If you have poor grades, immigration officials may believe you don’t intend to apply yourself to your studies.
Tips to Ensure a Successful Student Visa Application
To ensure that your Australian student visa application is approved, follow these tips:
- Receive immigration assistance from a lawyer: You can nominate someone to help you fill out all the paperwork and make sure that everything is in order.
- Apply early: As soon as you decide you want to study abroad, start gathering your paperwork.
- Ask for help from your study abroad program: The university or program you’re studying with will be familiar with all the procedures and can assist you.
- Apply for scholarships: Proving that you have your tuition covered will be a big help when you apply.
- Prepare your documents: Gather everything together and digitize it ahead of time, ensuring everything is kept together in one file folder.
Focus on your GTE personal statement: You want this to present you in the best light, so ask for help from a writing center or parent to ensure it is perfect before submitting.